International talent from all over the world are flocking to some of the most historical and innovative venues in Toronto. From country and rock to even acid house, we’ve got a diverse roundup of international artists that you’ll make great memories with this May.
Here are six concerts that are happening throughout the city this month.
May 4 – Blake Shelton, Great Canadian Resort
Calling all country lovers! Blake Shelton will be bringing his cowboy charm to one of Canada’s largest casino resorts. Shelton’s performance will lead the grand opening of the Great Canadian Casino Resort’s in its new performance area The Theatre in collaboration with Live Nation.
Shelton’s equally charming wife Gwen Stefani will be performing at The Theatre the day before.
Most people will recognize Shelton from being a judge on NBC’s entertainment reality show NBC “The Voice.” Shelton was chosen by People Magazine as “The Sexiest Man Alive” in 2017.
Shelton will hit the stage at 8 p.m. on May 4.
Fun Fact: The Theatre is able to host up to 5,000 people and this summer will bring a slew of top notch talent like Ne-Yo, Skillet, and Till Lindemann.
For more information, click here.
May 9 – tUkU X bUdi, Canadian Music Centre
The Canadian Music Centre is welcoming contemporary fusion musicians Tuku Matthews and Nicholas Dourado. Tuku Mathews is known for combining jazz and soul and was part of the JUNO award-winning ensemble The Merlin Factor.
Dourado leads the Big Budi Band, has arranged several saxophone and piano scores, and has a Master’s degree in ocean geophysics and acoustics.
The duo will bring their unique soundclash to centre stage at the Canadian Music Centre at 7 p.m. on May 9.
The Canadian Music Centre presents a range of new wave orchestra and band performances for every kind of listener each month.
Fun Fact: The Canadian Music Centre has a stunning library collection of musical scores, recordings, and CDs.
For more information, click here.
May 11 – From the Vault A Tribute to the Grateful Dead, El Mocambo
From the Vault is a group of friends who decided to pursue their rockstar dreams together. The band will be pulling songs from 60s rock band Grateful Dead, with plenty of guitar strumming for everyone in the audience to hear on May 11 at the El Mocambo. The show starts at 9 p.m.
El Mocambo is known for its vivacious live events programming, which has featured The Rolling Stones, U2, and Blondie.
Fun Fact: El Mocambo partnered with hotel The Anndore House to display personal record players in their suites.
For more information, click here.
May 18 – Sasha & John Digweed, Rebel
Sasha and John Digweed are a British DJ duo that have been spinning across the globe since the 90’s. They’re known for contributing to acid house music clubs and rave culture.
Some of the places they’ve toured are New York, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and Melbourne.
The disc jockeys will be bringing their techno vibes to Rebel Nightclub’s beautiful lakeside landscape on May 18 at 10 p.m.
Fun Fact: Rebel is also home to Polson Pier, which is one of Toronto’s best skyline viewpoints.
For more information, click here.
May 19 – Bomrani, Jane Mallett Theatre – St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
Bomrani is coming to Canada for the first time and they’ll be presenting their multicultural sounds at the Jane Mallett Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre of the Arts on May 19 at 8 p.m.
The band is known for combining trumpets, all kinds of guitars, and harmonica sounds.
The group gained fame by showcasing their music in Iranian movies and releasing an album for children in 2012.
Fun Fact: St. Lawrence Centre of the Arts is run by nonprofit organization TOLive who advocates for the venue to be an accessible space for the public.
For more information, click here.
May 31 to June 1 – Empress of – The Drake Underground
Empress Of is the daughter of Honduran immigrants and will honour her Latin American roots on Queen street’s very own The Drake Underground at 7 p.m. on May 30, May 31 and June 1.
Even people who claim they don’t dance in public will be shaking their hips at The Drake to Empress Of’s heart pumping drum and bass rhythms.
The Drake Underground is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a variety of summer programming to include Cosmo’s Midnight, Katie Tupper, Flwr Chyld, and Fightmaster.
Fun Fact: Some Toronto live musicians have gotten record deals performing at Drake’s end-of-month emerging artist showcase “School Night.”
For more information, click here.
For a list of more events, check out our events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.To list your event, click here.
